Detroit Restaurant Ramp Up

Not every city gets its own pizza. While Detroit-style pizza originated in 1946 at Buddy's Rendezvous Pizzeria on Detroit's east side, created by Gus Guerra-- it has only been in the last few years that we have gotten our just due. Here's a list of some of our favorite pizza and pasta spots in the area.

Green Lantern Pizza

Opened a second location in Clinton Township due to the popularity of its residence on 12 Mile Road and John R Street. Green Lantern is famous for its Lantern bread, sandwiches and obviously its pizza.

Gnocchi Italian Restaurant

This low-key Italian restaurant in Clinton Township offers both dine-in and carry-out options of delicious, authentic cuisine. Gnocchi Italian Restaurant serves up every type of gnocchi you can think of, from portabella mushroom gnocchi to chicken broccoli and cheese gnocchi, and everything in between.

Pie-Sci

This pizza parlor, located in Midtown, has quickly made its name known by introducing the craziest topping combos you can think of. The focaccia-style crust is also a crowd-pleaser. It’s pizza like you’ve never had it before

Mootz Pizzeria and Bar

Located on Library St. near the stadiums and other downtown action, Mootz has some of the best pizza and pasta in the city. Their wood-fired oven produces a crunchy crust topped with distinctive flavors. The Bee Sting is a fan-favorite with NYC pizza sauce, pepperoni, fresh buffalo "mootzarella", fresh basil, and hot honey. On the pasta side, you can't go wrong with their classic fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti Bolognese, featuring house-made spaghetti, meat sauce, a jumbo meatball, and shaved Parmesan. Another fun menu item is a Mootz Pizza Kit, which includes pre-portioned pizza crust and toppings for at-home fun and flavor.

Ottava Via

Some of the best Italian cuisine, including pizza & panini, is served in this stylishly quaint, antiques-adorned space located in Corktown. Enjoy some of the area's best truffle butter pasta with Bucatini tossed with mushrooms in a truffle butter sauce or a delicious white sauce, short rib pizza with Tuscan-braised beef short ribs, provolone, onions, pepperoni, and pepperonata.

Loui's Pizza

Located in Hazel Park, Loui's is one of the highest-rated pizzerias in the Metro area. They have frequently gone viral for their Detroit-style pizza piled high with pepperoni. Fans also rave about Loui's housemade antipasta salad dressing and unique sandwiches. The pasta is also a must-try. The lasagna and ravioli are among the top reviewed.

Michigan & Trumbull Pizza

This family-owned pizza joint has some of the most unique menu items in the area. The Cadieux E Pepe will remind you of your favorite pasta with mozzarella, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh-cracked pepper. Their roasted carrots is a favorite with spiced carrot, almond romesco, ‘haute’ honey, and almond.

Cantoro Trattoria

Serving fresh, seasonal Italian fare with contemporary flair in a stylish, sophisticated yet warm and casual atmosphere, Cantoro Trattoria is a staple in Plymouth. The restaurant has a lengthy antipasti or "starter" menu with delicious offerings like the Zuppe Di Cozze with p.e.i. mussels, garlic, chili, white wine, fumet, marinara, basil on grilled crostini. They also offer a rich entrée and pasta menu featuring authentic flavors. The large restaurant even offers several event spaces, including a sophisticated, rustic Cantina Room that doubles as our wine cellar and is the perfect spot for a board meeting, an elegant dinner, or even a wedding ceremony.

Detroit has historically been a majority African-American city, which is becoming more and more diverse every day. The suburbs are also home to a diverse population, including large Asian and Arab communities. In this section, we highlight some of Metro Detroit's tastiest international bites.

Flowers of Vietnam

The Peterboro

A casual restaurant, The Peterboro is brought to you by the Detroit Optimist Society, and serves contemporary American Chinese food. The extensive bar menu also features craft cocktails, beer, wine, sake and sherry.

Barda

James Beard Award-nominated Chef Javier Bardauil brings the art of live-fire cooking, traditional in his native Argentina. Housed in a former radiator shop, BARDA’s interior is a striking blend of industrial history and modern design. A sunken 30-seat bar occupies what was once the service bay, surrounded by sleek booths that line walls covered in vivid blue tiles. Red neon glows throughout, creating a striking contrast and setting the tone for a space that feels both intimate and electric. Barda also features a playful cocktail menu, including, of course, a number of delightful Spanish wine offerings to complement the beef-forward menu.

Baobab Fare

This award-winning restaurant, founded by refugees from Burundi, embodies the spirit of “Detroit Ni Nyumbani” — Detroit is Home. In addition to the restaurant, their Waka by Baobab Fare food truck and catering spreads East African street food throughout metro Detroit. They also sell a unique product line that uplifts East African culture and creators through thoughtfully curated sauces, coffee & beverages, chocolate, jewelry, and apparel. Experience East African cuisine in the heart of Midtown. Try the Nyumbani, a signature dish featuring tender beef slow-simmered in ripe tomato sauce. Served with fried plantains, peanut-stewed spinach, and your choice of spiced rice pilau or coconut rice.

Bangkok 96 Restaurant and Bangkok 96 Street Food

Chef Genevieve Vang has brought delicious, relatable Thai flavors, combined with influences from her native Laos and Thailand. The locally celebrated chef believes that her love of food has kept her strong, vibrant, and healthy. The main restaurant is located in Dearborn, and fans love the stir-fry menu featuring pad thai, noodles, fried rice, and more. The restaurant also offers a delicious local dessert worth trying: Banana Sticky Rice, which features sweet sticky rice with banana and black beans wrapped in a banana leaf. The street food restaurant is more accessible, offering an abbreviated menu with items like Walking Crispy Dumplings and some of the best Bao Buns you'll ever taste.

Darbunah Restaurant

No visit to Metro Detroit is complete without a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. Darbunah feels like Middle Eastern hospitality—both a cherished neighborhood spot and a portal to something deeper—an honest gathering place where stories unfold over shared plates and meaningful glances. One of this restaurant's unique features is its breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. They also offer a special Ramadan menu, ideal for sharing.

Raise a glass with your loved ones at some of the best bars around the area. From seasonal artisanal cocktails to cheap beers and bites. This spirited list is curated just for you.

The Royce Detroit

This eclectic wine shop, located on the ground floor of the Kale’s Building, highlights the major wine regions of the world. Sporting a collection of 300-plus bottles, it focuses on providing great quality wines at affordable everyday prices, yet has a selection that will satisfy the wine collector. The Royce features a small bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine, charcuterie and cheese plates.

The Sugar House

This craft cocktail bar is located in Corktown and is one of the most popular in the area. Staffed by award-winning mixologists, Sugar House offers a foundational 101-classics menu and a rotating seasonal menu of original house cocktails, along with one of the deepest back bars in the city.

The Skip

Located in The Belt art alley, The Skip gives the term cocktail bar a whole new meaning. This open-air bar serves frozen drinks, five different kinds of boilermakers, Irish Coffee and Old Fashioned cocktails.

Johnny Black's Public House

With eight locations around the Metro, Johnny Black's is a popular spot to catch a big game or visit with friends. It also boasts a large draft beer and whiskey selection. The restaurant also offers a very cool Opening Day bus trip celebrating the kickoff of the Detroit Tigers season. It includes drinks on the bus and admission to an awesome day party.

Time Will Tell

This unique gin bar in the New Center area has a laidback atmosphere, thoughtful details, and a distinct vintage flair. Additionally, they host several special events--you can even learn from the experts at one of their cocktail classes. Try this Anime-inspired cocktail, Spirited Away, featuring Iichiko shochu, Norden aquavit, peach liqueur, white wine, honey, lemon juice, egg white, bergamot bitters, black pepper, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Old Pony Martini Pub

Grosse Pointe is one enclave that doesn't receive the kind of attention it deserves. This adorable and historic neighborhood has great shops, restaurants, and bars. A neighborhood staple, Old Pony Martini Pub stands as a beacon of sophisticated hospitality and artisanal mixology. Old Pony features a deep menu of hundreds of rotating martinis, including a Martini of the Month. Feel free to stop by for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM for a $5 cheeseburger, a $3 beer, or an $8 signature martini.

Rusted Crow Detroit

The original Dearborn Heights distillery is downtown, too. This time, Rusted Crow amped up its cocktail bar and serves a full menu of pub fare and traditional American appetizers.

Barcade

Located in Midtown, Barcade is a fun destination with dozens of arcade and pinball games. The fun atmosphere is complemented by an equally fun food and drink menu. Acapulco Shirts Is a fun cocktail with Espolon Blanco, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura Bitters. It pairs well with a big plate of nachos featuring tortilla chips, Bell’s Lager cheese sauce, jalapeño, black beans, pico de gallo, and lime crema.

If you’re looking for staples when it comes to pubs and/or classic fare, Metro Detroit has a slew of eateries worth sampling.

Chaos Burger

With smashburgers "Built to Drip," Chaos Burger is offering up an unforgettable dining experience with the freshest, finest ingredients. Try The Classic with American cheese, onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard or the Chicken Smash Burger with ground chicken, bacon, American cheese, grilled onion, pickle, shredded lettuce, and burger sauce. If you're not in the mood for a burger, try the Chaos Dog, featuring a grilled quarter-pound all-beef hot dog, American cheese, grilled onion, honey-pickled jalapeño, Chaos Sauce, and ketchup.

Mercury Burger and Bar

Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill

This historic pub located in Downtown Detroit serves up delicious wings, tots, and onion rings. If you stop in for a bite and have 25 minutes to spare, you can schedule a tour of Tommy’s Detroit Bar! Tommy’s Detroit was built in 1840 and has a tunnel entrance that was used to smuggle liquor from the Detroit River during prohibition. It was also believed to have been used for the underground railroad in early Detroit.

Vinsetta Garage

This automotive-inspired restaurant features burgers, Union Mac & Cheese, tacos, and coal-fired pizza. Fans love the smoked chicken wings tossed with Cholula Wing Sauce or Ghost Chili Sauce, served up with a side of Charred Scallion Buttermilk.

Primanti Brothers

Famous for its piled-high sandwiches and chill vibe, Primanti Brother’s has Michigan locations in Novi and Taylor, in addition to their numerous spots throughout the Midwest.

Batch Brewing Company

Try any of their nearly two dozen unique beers, ciders, and ales right in the heart of Corktown. Pair it with Smoked Chicken Wings that are flash-fried and tossed in your choice of sauce: Szechuan Chili Crisp, Buffalo, or the Cauliflower Wings with a generous portion of Smoked cauliflower florets flash-fried and tossed in our house-made Buffalo sauce.

What better way to end a great meal than with a great dessert and a steaming hot cup of coffee?

Journey’s End Coffee Shop and Eos Cafe & Coffee House

Both of these “brew” houses are located on Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores. Cute and cozy, they are great places to grab a cappuccino on colder days.

The Roost

Nestled in the Woodbridge neighborhood, The Roost is a cozy neighborhood spot for great coffee, friendly faces, and a touch of micro-grocery convenience (including beer & wine!). According to the owner, Jeff, The Roost is where friendships form, ideas spark, and local talent shines. From community events to creative workshops, there’s always something happening here. So stop by. Sip a great cup of coffee, pick up a few essentials, and stay for the conversations that make this place feel like home.

Congregation Detroit

Started in 2020 by four neighbors in the Boston-Edison neighborhood, The Congregation Detroit has become an anchor for the community. Located in a restored former church, Congregation serves as a café, bar, and event venue, offering expertly crafted coffee and cocktails, along with a welcoming atmosphere for neighbors and visitors alike.

Detroit Cookie Company

A Ferndale staple, Detroit Cookie Company has some of the most innovative cookies in the region. The PB Volcano™ is the ultimate peanut butter cookie topped with a mound of peanut butter, enrobed in chocolate & crushed graham crackers, while the 8 Mile Mix is a sweet and salty treat with M&M’s, Reese’s peanut butter cups & pretzels smashed in our OG dough. Detroit Cookie Company roasts its own coffee in-house! Enjoy a cup of coffee in our bakery or at home. Their specialty beans are always available for in-store purchase or online shipping!

Photo credits: Green Lantern Pizza by Bill Bowen; Flowers of Vietnam courtesy of Flowers of Vietnam; The Royce Detroit courtesy of The Royce Detroit; Primanti Brothers courtesy of Primanti Brothers; coffee by EE Berger